The coronavirus crisis has profoundly changed people's behavior, their work processes and the way we interact in society. Strict hygiene standards now govern work and leisure time. The simplest everyday processes are affected. Those responsible in industry, trade and the public sector are adapting to the changed circumstances. For example, many people avoid touching objects in public - door handles, for example, but also switches with a stroke, such as those on public transport. This is where electronic buttons with a touch function, such as capacitive sensor technology from Captron, come into their own.

Modern push-buttons such as the CANEO series10 can be freely configured for various applications. They can be integrated into future-proof communication systems such as IO-Link or other protocols. They interact with both digital and analog interfaces. The ability to freely adjust all operating and electrical parameters means that the button sensitivity and minimum actuation duration can be selected to reduce the risk of infection. In this way, users are always prepared for new hygiene requirements.

Operation with glove possible

Capacitive sensor switches are convenient because - unlike mechanical switches, which have to be operated with a specific, fixed pressure - they only need to be touched lightly and briefly. They can even be operated easily with a glove. This is made possible by the electromagnetic field created by the push-button. The capacitance between the switch surface and its surroundings is constantly measured in this field. If a conductive object, such as a human hand, approaches this field, the capacitance increases and the push-button performs the switching operation. A covered glove does not interfere with this process. If the sensitivity of the button is increased, it can also be operated completely contact-free. This would meet higher hygiene and safety requirements.

Many transport companies have already installed these capacitive buttons in their vehicles. In addition to the hygiene and safety aspect, the simple operation is also a step towards greater accessibility, as intelligent technology in the electronic touch buttons prevents them from being activated accidentally. This technology also includes protection against environmental influences such as rain, mechanical shocks, high humidity, frost or contamination. Automatic calibration for any interference factors means that the switching process can be carried out at any time without interference.

Improving hygiene in all areas

In hygiene-critical environments such as hospitals, retirement homes or care facilities, where there is an increased risk of disease transmission, people at risk must be able to move around without barriers and with as few germs as possible. Electronic push-buttons with touch function make it easier to open doors and control lighting in these areas, for example. Capacitive sensor buttons can also be integrated into the floor as foot switches. Captron manufactures particularly robust and hygienic sensor models in sealed stainless steel versions. These sensors are easy to clean and can even be sterilized; they are preferred for use in operating theatres and industrial clean rooms. Companies in the food industry and in medical and pharmaceutical technology must also ensure that the production environment not only meets the usual industry standards, but that it is also hygienic and fail-safe. Operating a machine with gloves is a good example of this. Capacitive sensor switches, which are insensitive to dust, dirt, extreme temperatures and vibrations compared to mechanical models, are an advantage here.